MyDIGITAL Corporation and Petrosains Partner to Empower Indigenous Communities through Digital Literacy and STEM under MD2030 Action Plan

PUTRAJAYA, July 15 (Bernama) -- MyDIGITAL Corporation, through its national digital learning initiative Rakyat Digital, has partnered with Petrosains, The Discovery Centre, to expand access to digital literacy, artificial intelligence (AI) awareness and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education for Malaysia's indigenous communities. 

The collaboration was officially launched through its inaugural outreach programme at the Karnival Pendidikan Murid Peribumi Penan Peringkat Negeri Sarawak, organised by the Ministry of Education Malaysia through the Sarawak State Education Department at Kolej Tun Datu Tuanku Haji Bujang, Miri, on 1 July. 

The programme engaged more than 200 students from indigenous communities across Sarawak, including the Penan, Iban, Kayan, Kenyah and Lun Bawang. During the programme, MyDIGITAL Corporation introduced students to the Rakyat Digital platform, providing free access to digital learning resources designed to strengthen AI literacy, digital skills and technology awareness. Petrosains complemented the initiative through its signature Science Show and interactive, hands-on STEM activities that inspired curiosity, creativity and experiential learning. 

Adrian Marcellus, Chief Executive Officer of MyDIGITAL Corporation said: 

"Our collaboration with Petrosains represents a critical milestone in making digital and AI literacy universally accessible. By expanding our reach to the Orang Asli and indigenous segments, we are directly building the foundation for an inclusive digital ecosystem. We are ensuring that no community is left behind in Malaysia's digital transition. Through Rakyat Digital, we aim to equip every young Malaysian with the tools and confidence to thrive in a digital future."  

Ezarisma Azni Mohamad, Chief Executive Officer of Petrosains Sdn Bhd, added: 

"Inclusivity begins with opportunity. For many Orang Asli and indigenous communities in Sarawak, access to STEM and digital learning can be a powerful catalyst for unlocking potential and expanding future possibilities. Through our collaboration with MyDIGITAL Corporation, we hope to inspire curiosity, build confidence and empower young learners with the skills and mindset needed to navigate an increasingly digital world. At Petrosains, we believe that meaningful progress happens when every community is given the opportunity to thrive, contribute and be part of Malaysia's journey towards an inclusive AI-powered future."  

Building on the success of the inaugural programme, MyDIGITAL Corporation and Petrosains will expand the initiative through a nationwide series of outreach programmes. Working closely with the respective State Education Departments (Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri, JPN), the collaboration will deliver tailored digital literacy and STEM learning experiences to schools serving indigenous communities, including in Kelantan, Pahang and Johor. 

Both organisations remain committed to forging strategic partnerships with government agencies, educational institutions and community stakeholders to accelerate digital inclusion, strengthen STEM education and cultivate a digitally empowered society. 

This strategic collaboration directly advances one of the key priorities of the newly launched Malaysia Digital 2030 (MD2030) Action Plan: Towards an AI Nation, officially unveiled on 29 June 2026 by Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim. A core priority of MD2030 is to build an inclusive AI Nation where no one is left behind. By reaching indigenous communities, this initiative expands digital participation, strengthens inclusion and ensures the benefits of AI and digital innovation create equitable opportunities for all Malaysians. 

For more information on the MD2030 Action Plan: Towards an AI Nation and the Rakyat Digital initiative, visit www.mydigital.gov.my.  

About MyDIGITAL Corporation 

MyDIGITAL Corporation is a monitoring agency and operates as a Strategic Change Management Office under the Ministry of Digital, overseeing the implementation of the Malaysia Digital 2030 Action Plan: Towards An AI Nation that is built on the foundations of the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MDEB) and the National 4IR Policy. It serves as the secretariat to the National Digital Economy and 4IR Council, chaired by the Prime Minister, and hosts the Malaysia Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (MYCentre4IR) in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. MyDIGITAL Corporation is a dynamic platform aimed at accelerating the digital transformation and adoption of 4IR technologies and fostering innovation. 

Follow MyDIGITAL Corporation: Website: MyDIGITAL Corporation | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X 

About Rakyat Digital  

Rakyat Digital is a national digital learning platform by MyDIGITAL Corporation that provides Malaysians with free learning modules in digital literacy and AI awareness. Designed for all citizens, anywhere and anytime, the platform supports Malaysia’s aspiration to become an inclusive AI Nation by 2030 by empowering the rakyat to understand, adopt and benefit from digital technologies. For more information, visit rakyatdigital.gov.my

About Petrosains 

Petrosains, The Discovery Centre, is an exciting, contemporary science discovery centre that features interactive exhibits and vibrant STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programmes, through which we deliver our commitment to be the Learning Catalyst alive with exciting and empowering experiences that spark curiosity and foster a lifelong interest in science and innovation. Guided by principles of diversity and inclusivity, Petrosains has established many outreach offerings including mini science centres across the nation (Petrosains PlaySmarts), travelling exhibitions, national level competitions, community events and many others, which reach communities across Malaysia – including underserved and Indigenous groups. Petrosains also engages with its audiences through digital offerings such as the Petrosains website, learning blogs and social media platforms.  

Aligned with PETRONAS’ Pathway to Net Zero Carbon Emissions (NZCE) 2050, Petrosains also drives understanding of sustainability through interactive exhibitions such as the Sustainability Gallery, thematic programmes and platforms like Meet the Expert, and other initiatives, which humanise complex sustainability topics and make them accessible to all.  

Petrosains was established by PETRONAS in 1999 as part of its social impact initiative in the pillar of education to provide a rich and stimulating environment to enhance literacy in the nation and ignite passion for life-long knowledge attainment in people. Petrosains is located in the PETRONAS Twin Towers at Level 4, Suria KLCC.  

Follow Petrosains Sdn Bhd:
Facebook: Petrosains - The Discovery Centre | Instagram: @instapetrosains TikTok: @petrosains | Website: www.petrosains.com.my 

SOURCE: MyDIGITAL Corporation 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Faizah Jaafar
Tel: +6019 399 7746
Email: faizah.jaafar@mydigital.gov.my

Name: See Siok Gee
Tel: +6012 662 4336
Email: siokgee.see@mydigital.gov.my

--BERNAMA